May 6th DEADLINE !
Remember – anonymous comments are not counted.
Start at Official City of Virginia Beach Virtual Town Hall to offer your Feedback.
May Baylines from Bayfront Advisory Committee
View May Baylines. (PDF)
Times have shifted for the Bayfront Advisory Commission’s special Outreach ’17 special community input initiative. The public meeting will still follow the BAC’s regular May 18 meeting. But the time has been shifted to 4:30 to 6 p.m. to accommodate extra items on the regular meeting agenda.
And:
City Council has appointed Capt. Joey Frantzen, commanding officer of the JEB Little Creek-Fort Story as ex-officio member of the Bayfront Advisory Commission.
#LESNERBRIDGE update includes more about The Canoes at Lesner Bridge in Ocean Park
Update from email includes the comedy you expect:
Bridge Insiders:
Kingfish is bubbling over with all kinds of news, including the latest on the sculpture for the bridge that was just announced (picture included) and the latest inside scoop on falsework: “ . . . falsework is being constructed as a mirror image of the temporary steel falsework that the yellow gantry is now supported on and located on the north side of the bridge. Once this falsework is complete, plans will be made to place two steel girders across Shore Drive (and the new bridge) to connect both sets of falsework.”
If you’re a “falsework” junkie, you’re about to fall in love . . . .
As always, there are a lot of good things going with the project now, and you get the first peek. We appreciate your questions and e-mails, so please don’t hesitate to contact us.
As a reminder, we are regularly updating information on our WEB page at: http://www.vbgov.com/lesner-bridge. You can also follow us on Twitter at: @lesnerbridge.If you know of someone who would like to be added to our update list, please have them get in touch with me at this e-mail address and I will be glad to add them. Please feel free to pass this along to others.
As I said, feel free to let Chris or me know if you have any questions or need more information.
Thanks again for all of your interest and patience throughout this project. So . . . stay drive, look out for each other, and put the phone down while you’re driving.
Drew Lankford
Media and Communications
Department of Public Works
City of Virginia Beachdlankfor@vbgov.com
(O) 757.385.8062
(C) 757.409.4353
Folks:
Foundation work for the new eastbound Lesner Bridge is progressing as scheduled and the contractor is now installing the drilled shaft foundations in Pier #3, the first water pier for the eastbound bridge.
But before we get into the details of the bridge construction, I want to point out one feature of the eastbound bridge that is not present in the westbound bridge – the Scenic Overlook. This overlook will be located on the southwest side of the bridge right across from the Lynnhaven Boat Ramps.
Scenic Overlook Area Located on the Southwest side of the New Eastbound Lesner Bridge
The plans show that a cast-in-place concrete planter was to be built within this Scenic Overlook; however, in lieu of this planter the Public Art Virginia Beach Foundation has worked with renowned artist, Donald Lipski, and private donors to provide a unique one-of-a-kind signature sculpture known at The Canoes. This work was presented last Thursday by Mr. Lipski at the Bayfront Advisory Commission meeting. Additional information can be found on the City of Virginia Beach website in the News Center.
Proposed Sculpture THE CANOES by Donald Lipski
Back to bridge construction!
As mentioned earlier, foundation work for the new eastbound bridge is progressing well. Only one more concrete pour remains for the completion of bridge Abutment A (west side of Lynnhaven Inlet), all of the drilled shafts have been installed for bridge piers 1 and 2 and two of the five drilled shafts have already been completed for pier 3.
Multiple activities are occurring concurrently. As the drilled shafts are being installed, McLean is continuing to install temporary trestle towards the pier 4 location. Footing preparations for pier 1 are ongoing and the construction of the pipe pile falsework between Abutment A and pier 1 is well underway. This falsework is being constructed as a mirror image of the temporary steel falsework that the yellow gantry is now supported on and located on the north side of the bridge. Once this falsework is complete, plans will be made to place two steel girders across Shore Drive (and the new bridge) to connect both sets of falsework. The gantry will then be winched across Shore Drive from north to south and put into position to begin erecting the superstructure of the new eastbound bridge. Stay tuned as more details of this move become available.
Demolition of the old bridges also continues. The deep main span footings (pier 14 and 15 of the old bridges) are currently being cut and removed from the Lynnhaven Inlet. Most of the accessible piles located west of Federal Channel have been removed. The remaining superstructure of the old bridges located east of the Federal Channel has already been sawcut and is ready for demolition after the gantry is moved.
AMI, Inc. in Portsmouth, continues to build the superstructure of the new Lesner Bridge. A total of 123 of the 168 segments have been cast for the new eastbound bridge. It is expected that all bridge segments for the eastbound bridge will be cast by August 2017.
Over the next two weeks, the bridge contractor will:
· Continue bridge demolition;
· Install the remaining drilled shaft foundations at Pier #3;
· Install the concrete seal slab at Pier #4;
· Place the leveling pad for the new MSE wall along the south side of Shore Drive between East Stratford Street and the new bridge;
· Continue filling and grading operations at the new bridge abutments;
· Install the new traffic signal pole and foundation on the southeast corner of Shore Drive and East Stratford Street;
· Continue installation of the steel falsework between Abutment A and Pier #1 to support the segment assembly gantry crane
· Grade and place the reinforcing steel for the footing at Pier #1
That’s it for now. Please drive safely!
Christopher J. Wojtowicz, PE
Project Manager
City of Virginia Beach
Department of Public Works
Engineering Division
2405 Courthouse Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23456-9031
Office: (757) 385-5785
Fax: (757) 385-5668
Email: cwojtowi@vbgov.com
“The designs carved into the canoes take inspiration from the time of the early settlers, including prints on fabrics such as John Smith’s tunic, Lipski said.”
More coverage of The Canoes at Lesner Bridge in Ocean Park.
Check out Pilotonline.com for more.
The foundation still needs to raise about $100,000 of the $350,000 contract and is accepting donations through its website: vbpublicart.org.
“New Sculpture to Welcome Visitors to the Rich History of Lynnhaven Inlet”
Learn more at VBGov.com about The Canoes at Lesner Bridge in Ocean Park:
The Canoes, to be located on the southern pedestrian overlook heading east on the new Lesner Bridge on Shore Drive, will usher visitors into the beauty and history of the Chesapeake Bay area. The historic canoe as a medium for the sculpture creates an indelible tie to the waters surrounding it. The Canoes draws on the Bay Area of the 1600s, when seine fishing was a profitable trade on the Lynnhaven shoreline.
More info about The Canoes at Lesner Bridge in Ocean Park at COVB City Page:
The Canoes uses ten full-size aluminum canoes, stamped and punched with elaborate lace patterns, a nod to the decorative arts of the early settlers. The canoes are joined at the center in a stylized sunburst, balanced atop a tall arch. It will be lit in the evening by soft LED lights and features a seating area overlooking the bay.
The Canoes at Lesner Bridge in Ocean Park
“What would be spectacular to see in any circumstance?”
26′ wide by 46′ tall. LED lighting, possibly aircraft aluminum.
Bayfront Advisory Committee and Public Art VB has been working on this.
Now it’s up to you to help too!
Get your fund raising thinking caps on.
It’s spectacular.
SDCC General Meeting Agenda – Monday April 24th
Click here for a printable version of the agenda 4.24.17 SDCC Agenda
SDCC General Meeting Agenda
Monday April 24, 2017 from 7:30 to 9:00pm
Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Hall
(parking in back, on side streets and across Shore Drive)
Special Presentation – No Special Presentation
Officer’s Reports: Secretary – David Williams; Treasurer’s Report -Kathy Pawlak; Vice President – Wally Damon; President – Todd Solomon
Old Business-
Marina Shores Condo/Apartment Proposed Development – Brief update. Developer plans to present to the Planning Commission as early as June. The developer told Cape Story Civic Association that the dredge transfer land would be added to the proffer for unbuildable natural area to prevent it from being used as such. City traffic studies supposedly show that traffic counts won’t be high enough and a potential for increased accidents prevent a stop light from being installed at N Great Neck and Lynnhaven Dr.
Bayfront to Oceanfront Shuttle Route – Update on City’s plans for the test route. City and Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) are working on finalizing the bus stops and should have a brochure created soon.
New Business –
Bayfront Advisory Commission (BAC) News – Mr. Wally Damon will update us on the actions of the Bayfront Advisory Commission.
Road/Pedestrian Safety on Shore Drive – VB Works (See-Click-Fix) has been used to identify possible improvement to pedestrian crossing at Red Tide and Shore Drive. Better signage identifying pedestrian right of way when in crosswalk and confirmation of adequate operation of motion detection system were addressed.
City of Virginia Beach Bike and Trails Plan Input – The City is asking for public input on this plan. Residents can take an online survey and also provide comment using Virtual Town Hall. Comments will be taken until April 30th. So if you ride a bike or use sidewalks and trails, let the City hear your opinions. Click here for City website links
Community Concerns and Suggestions for 2017 – General discussion of neighborhood and community concerns that may need SDCC attention. This is an opportunity for all to share information.
Next SDCC Meeting – Monday May 22, 2017
(Please note the meeting is a week early due to Memorial Day)
Boat mechanic airlifted with injuries from boat fire in Cape Henry Shores
Firefighters were called to the 2100 block of E. Kendall Circle at 3:39 p.m.
After they left the scene crews were called back in minutes for the explosion, fire officials said.
Photo credit: Courtesy of Virginia Beach Fire Department
Shore Drive near First Landing State Park [was] closed until about 5pm.
Photo Credit: Michael Schmitt
13NewsNow coverage of new HRT Shuttle Route coming in May
“You’d think you’d have a single bus you could just hop on and go to the Oceanfront,” said Todd Solomon with the Shore Drive Community Coalition. “In order to get there, you’ve got to take three different buses.”
#LESNERBRIDGE update: “…not waiting for the old bridges to be completely removed before beginning construction of the new bridge.”
Pulled from official website page at VBGov.com:
April 6, 2017 Update
To All:Since the last project update in December much has changed on the Lesner Bridge crossing Lynnhaven Inlet! On the evening of January 17th, 2017 the eastbound lanes of Shore Drive traffic were switched over to the new westbound Lesner Bridge thus completing Phase 3 of 5 on the project and preparing the way for the demolition of the old Lesner Bridges and the construction of the new eastbound Lesner Bridge. Demolition of both old bridges began on January 25th, 2017 and continues today. Contrary to what some folks believed, NO BLASTING will be used to in the demolition of the old bridges. In fact, the decks of the bridges have been strategically cut to allow each beam of each span to be removed individually. Most of the removed beams with attached deck will be transferred to barges for disposal at Cabbage Patch Reef located off the shoreline of Kiptopeke State Park. Some of the removed degraded beams were chosen by Virginia Tech to be saved and transported to Blacksburg for strength testing – but that is another story. The remaining piles of the bridge are cut off 4-feet below the ground surface if they are on land or are vibrated out if they are located within the water.
Center Steel Spans of the Old Lesner Bridges Removed
Pile Removal from Old Lesner Bridge
Cabbage Patch Reef Located in the Chesapeake Bay
Barge Loaded with Beam and Deck Sections of the Old Lesner Bridge
We are not waiting for the old bridges to be completely removed before beginning construction of the new bridge. All of the foundation piles from bridge abutment A (west side of the Lynnhaven) have been installed and the first of three concrete pours for the footing was completed on 3/28/2017. The four drilled shaft foundations for Pier column #1 were completed today, March 30th and over the weekend crews will move drilling equipment over to the cofferdam already installed for Pier column #2.Completed Footing Base at Abutment A
In summary, the following work has been completed since the last project update (12/21/2016):
All Shore Drive traffic moved to the new westbound Lesner Bridge;
Approximately 40% of the old Lesner Bridges have been demolished;
All wick drains located at both bridge abutments have been installed;
All of the remaining piles for Abutment A have been driven;
The footing for Abutment A has been completed;
The steel reinforcing for the segment pedestal and backwall at Abutment A has been installed;
All four drilled shafts for Pier Column #1 have been installed;
Retaining walls for new sidewalk installed along the southeast corner of East Stratford Street and Shore Drive.
AMI, Inc. in Portsmouth, continues to build the superstructure of the new Lesner Bridge. A total of 102 of the 168 segments have been cast for the new eastbound bridge. It is expected that all bridge segments for the eastbound bridge will be cast by August 2017.Over the next two weeks, the bridge contractor will:
Continue Bridge Demolition;
Install the drilled shaft foundations at Pier #2;
Complete the construction of Abutment A;
Continue filling and grading operations at the new bridge abutments;
Install the new traffic signal pole and foundation on the southeast corner of Shore Drive and East Stratford Street;
Begin excavation for the leveling pad of the new MSE wall along the south side of Shore Drive between East Stratford Street and the new bridge;
Begin installation of the steel falsework between Abutment A and Pier #1 to support the segment assembly gantry crane.That’s it for now. Please drive safely!
-Chris
April Baylines from Bayfront Advisory Committee
View April Baylines. (PDF)
This edition includes info like:
Years of planning will culminate April 20 when the Public Art Virginia Beach Foundation and artist Donald Lipski unveil the design for the public art creation that will be erected on the southwest side of the new Lesner Bridge at the Bayfront Advisory Committee meeting.
The meeting, open to the public, will include presentations by Lipski and Foundation Chairman Andy Fine discussing and showing the inspiration behind the artwork. The presentation will take place at the 3:30 p.m. meeting in the Sunset Room of the Virginia Beach Resort Hotel and Conference Center, 2800 Shore Drive.
The rumor about Lesner Bridge budget cuts are true. Your voices were heard.
(April Fools)
Because of federal budget cuts rippling through to the state, a deal was made early this morning for COVB to keep some of the monies set aside to complete the Lesner Bridge.
One of the ideas is to study if it’s feasible to keep part of the old Lesner Bridge still standing as a public open space pier.
(Two engineers we’ve been speaking with feel it should be very doable.)
Ultimate plan would be for a public, private partnership to finance the maintenance & operation of Lesner Pier as it might be called.
The rest of the saved funds could go to other various projects like upgrading storm water improvements.
“How can we make walking and biking better in Virginia Beach?”
Let’s do it again Shore Drive!
(Remember: you MUST sign in to have your voice heard. You do NOT need to share your name publicly. “Off Forum” comments are “not counted”.)
Start short survey here at VBGov.com’s Virtual Townhall:
Residents have expressed interest in improving alternatives for people who wish to navigate the city without an automobile. But walking and biking around some areas of Virginia Beach can be difficult. The city is reaching out to citizens for input on how we can make it better.
“The Governor has signed the legislation dealing with Online Rental Platforms. It will become effective on July 1st of this year.”
Letter to Ad Hoc Committee. (1 page PDF)
New Virginia Online Rental Platform Legislation.(10 page PDF)
…
C. 1. If a locality adopts a registry ordinance pursuant to this section, such ordinance may include a
554 penalty not to exceed $500 per violation for an operator required to register who offers for short-term
555 rental a property that is not registered with the locality. Such ordinance may provide that unless and
556 until an operator pays the penalty and registers such property, the operator may not continue to offer
557 such property for short-term rental. Upon repeated violations of a registry ordinance as it relates to a
558 specific property, an operator may be prohibited from registering and offering that property for
559 short-term rental.
560 2. Such ordinance may further provide that an operator required to register may be prohibited from
561 offering a specific property for short-term rental in the locality upon multiple violations on more than
562 three occasions of applicable state and local laws, ordinances, and regulations, as they relate to the
563 short-term rental.
564 D. Except as provided in this section, nothing herein shall…
Two Special Presentations at Monday’s SDCC Meeting – (1)City Code Violations/Enforcement; (2)Marina Shore Proposed Development Update
Two Special Presentations have been scheduled for Monday’s SDCC Meeting. These are two important issues to residents in the Shore Drive area. Please come out and be informed and have your questions answered. SDCC meetings are always open to the general public. All are welcomed, so bring a friend or two.
Special Presentation (1) – City Code Violations and Enforcement
Ms. Denise Wethington, Housing & Neighborhood Preservation’s Code Enforcement Inspector, will discuss the code enforcement process and violations in our community. Inspectors patrol their assigned areas for violations, conduct systematic exterior inspections of neighborhoods on an as-needed basis, notify property owners of violations and take appropriate legal action to obtain compliance. The division addresses code violations through enforcement of the Virginia Maintenance Code and the city’s property maintenance codes.
Special Presentation (2) – Marina Shores Proposed Development Update
Mr. Brad Weitzer, Project Developer, and Ms. Lisa Murphy, Project Attorney, will provide an update to their plan to build an apartment complex at the current Marina Shores Marina. The original plan called for 261 four story tall units and the addition of a 2nd entrance roadway to the east of Long Creek Cove residents.
SDCC General Meeting Agenda
Monday March 27, 2017 from 7:30 to 9:00pm
Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Hall
(parking in back, on side streets and across Shore Drive)
SDCC General Meeting Monday March 27th Agenda – Code Enforcement Presentation
Click here for a printable version of the agenda 3.27.17 SDCC Agenda
SDCC General Meeting Agenda
Monday March 27, 2017 from 7:30 to 9:00pm
Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Hall
(parking in back, on side streets and across Shore Drive)
Special Presentation – City Code Violations and Enforcement
Ms. Denise Wethington, Housing & Neighborhood Preservation’s Code Enforcement Inspector, will discuss the code enforcement process and violations in our community. Inspectors patrol their assigned areas for violations, conduct systematic exterior inspections of neighborhoods on an as-needed basis, notify property owners of violations and take appropriate legal action to obtain compliance. The division addresses code violations through enforcement of the Virginia Maintenance Code and the city’s property maintenance codes.
Officer’s Reports
Secretary – David Williams; Treasurer’s Report -Kathy Pawlak; Vice President – Wally Damon; President – Todd Solomon
Old Business-
Marina Shores Condo/Apartment Proposed Development – The developer plans to make presentations to neighborhood civic groups and will present the revised plan to the Planning Commission in April. The number of units have been reduced from 261 to 200, no additional entrance will be created, no stop light will be added to the intersection of Great Neck Road and Lynnhaven Drive.
Bayfront to Oceanfront Shuttle Route – Plans to have a trial route this summer are moving forward. Surveys and public comments have been supportive of this project. Updates will be discussed and suggestions for promotion of the new service will be welcomed.
New Business –
Bayfront Advisory Commission (BAC) News – Mr. Wally Damon will update us on the actions of the Bayfront Advisory Commission.
City of Virginia Beach Transportation Survey – Results from the recent transportation survey will be discussed. Update of Phase IV Shore Drive improvements in Ocean Park between the Lesner Bridge and Marlin Bay Drive will be discussed.
Community Concerns and Suggestions for 2017 – General discussion of neighborhood and community concerns that may need SDCC attention. This is an opportunity for all to share information.
Next SDCC Meeting – Monday April 24, 2017
Remember taking the survey? Transit Planning Public Engagement Summary February ‘17.
First off, THANK YOU For participating in survey if you did.
Your feedback DOES make a difference.
View entire PDF at VBGov.com here.
View & download entire Transit Planning Public Engagement Summary (86 page PDF)
There are a ton of great well thought out comments in the entire package.
Some sample feedback including 215 first place votes for Shore Drive Ocean Park Phase IV roadway project.
City of VB hosting Transit Planning Workshop – Wed. March 22nd @ 6pm
Transit Planning Community Workshop – Part II
Let’s get going! Join us Wednesday, March 22 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts to learn about and help plan our transportation future.
Residents are invited to help plan improvements to public transportation in Virginia Beach and throughout our region. This interactive session will review work to date, including feedback from more than 560 survey responses following the first public meeting (Jan-Feb 2017). We’ll look at potential new routes as well as issues involving frequency, schedules and more.
Click here for more details on this workshop
March Baylines from Bayfront Advisory Committee
“Outreach ‘17” signup deadline extended
The deadline for Bayfront neighborhood organizations to place themselves on the invitation list for an upcoming outreach meeting has been extended. The Bayfront Advisory Commission plans to hold a meeting later this spring or early summer to solicit suggestions from civic leagues, condominium officials and neighborhood associations about their most-pressing issues and concerns.
Called “Outreach ’17,” the meeting or meetings will assist the City-Council-appointed Bayfront Advisory Commissionwithsettingprioritiesforthecomingyear. Theextensionwillallowthoseneighborhoodgroups who meet less frequently than monthly to poll their memberships about their most-pressing concerns and to appoint a contact person from the organization.
When scheduled, “Outreach ‘17” will be public.
To place a neighborhood on the invitation list, please send contact information to Scott Ayers, BAC Communications Committee chairman at bayfrontadvisorycommissionvb@gmail.com. Reach him by phone at (757) 671-3343.
Article & photos of old #LESNERBRIDGE
Another article & photos here also at Pilotonline.com today.
2nd photo from construction cam capturing blizzard of March 3rd ’17.
#WeLoveShoreDrive 
